Welcome

Welcome from the President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Jacobs

Welcome to UNSW Australia, one of the country's leading research and teaching universities.

UNSW was established in 1949 to teach and conduct leading research in scientific and technological disciplines. UNSW is distinctive in that it is the only Australian research intensive university established with this unique focus, modelled on universities such as MIT in the USA and European technical universities.

Foundation disciplines in engineering, science and the built environment were followed by professional disciplines, the humanities and social sciences, business, medicine, law and fine arts. UNSW is extremely focused, with eight faculties in Sydney, and similar discipline offerings at UNSW Canberra at the Australian Defence Force Academy.

UNSW has been described as one of the heavyweights of Australian higher education, offering an intense, rich tertiary experience. We have a proud tradition of excellence in learning and teaching, having been regularly ranked as the top university in Australia.

UNSW has strong connections with business, industry, government and the community. These are underpinned by a research culture reflected in high levels of research funding and achievement. Many of our best teachers are also outstanding researchers, so students at UNSW learn not only the latest concepts and facts but also the flexible, evaluative and adaptive methods that underpin the research process.

Many UNSW graduates have become leaders in government, business, research, and industry in Australia and overseas. Our research benefits society socially, economically, artistically and culturally. We work closely with the professions and through health care, engineering, science, the law, management and business, architecture and the arts and social sciences, UNSW influences society at the local, national, regional, and international levels.

UNSW is Australia’s most cosmopolitan university. Our Australian students come from diverse backgrounds, many being first in their family to university. We are also Australia’s first international university, enrolling significant numbers of international students since 1951, with more than 120 countries now represented. UNSW maintains ongoing relationships with over 200 universities worldwide. We offer opportunities for study in Asia, North America and Europe through one of Australia's largest international exchange programs.

UNSW never stands still. In the words of our longest serving Chancellor, the late Gordon Samuels, our transformation since 1949 was achieved "very much under the ordinary time for the course”... UNSW is “the epitome of the hungry fighter seeking success and recognition".

In developing new ideas and promoting lasting knowledge we are creating an academic environment where outstanding students and scholars can be inspired to excel in their programs of study and research. I encourage you to explore the UNSW website so you can find out more about what we do.